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Catholic University Coach Killed in Kentucky Crash

Catholic U. Mourning Loss of Basketball Coach

WASHINGTON (WNEW/AP) — Catholic University says one of its basketball coaches has been killed in an accident in Kentucky while riding her bicycle across the country to support cancer research.

The university says Jamie Roberts was killed Friday in Scott County, Kentucky, when she and another rider were struck by a truck. A group of five cyclists had stopped while Roberts was changing a tire. The other rider who was struck sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The family of Roberts has asked the public to make a donation to the ride she was participating in when she died. As of about 8 p.m. Sunday night, over $15,000 was raised, which is well over the set goal of $6,000.

Matt Donohue, head coach of women’s basketball at Catholic, says he knew Roberts for six years both as an assistant coach and opposing player when she attended St. Mary’s College. Donohue says Roberts was a “tremendously giving individual.”

“She was a fierce competitor on the court and carried herself in such a way that you just had so much respect and appreciation for her,” Donohue says.

Donohue also says she was one of those people who worked every minute to improve the situation of someone else.

Roberts was an assistant coach for Catholic’s women’s basketball team and was the school’s assistant sports information director. She grew up in Rockville, Maryland, and graduated in 2011 from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. She played Lacrosse, soccer and basketball.

Catholic University Athletic Director Sean Sullivan says Roberts will be remembered for her warmth, humor and thoughtfulness.

WNEW’s Cameron Thompson contributed to this report. Follow him and WNEW on Twitter.

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